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A trip to Halifax

Blind Bigot

By Blind Bigot
in Ebbsfleet United Forum

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Blind Bigot Newbie

Blind Bigot

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Well, result apart and the godawefull weather I had a wonderful day.

 

Due to industrial action on the train network I drove and arrived earlier than planned, at 12noon. After seeking out the 'Pump Rooms' and par-taking of a half pint of hand pulled ale I decided to walk back to The Shay to greet the team coach when it arrived.

 

A mate had promised to accompany me to the game but he cried off at the last minute. So, feeling lonely, I hung about outside of the main entrance chatting to the odd 'Fax' fan about the game. Funny how none of them noticed my Yorkshire accent, although they realised I was following The Fleet. (I did say they were odd!) One of the Halifax players walked by and asked two youngish guys doing 'jobs' nearby if they were going to the game. They said "maybe" at which he replied, "we should murder em', come and watch they'll have no fans here". At this point I let the guy know by raising a loud 'Cmon on You Reeeeeeeeeds', answer. He looked at me puzzled, smiled and walked away.

 

The weather up untill that point had been fair, if somewhat overcast. But about 1pm dark clouds started to gather and by ten past it was lagging it down. I took refuge in the club bar (soft drink this time). It has Working Mens Club decor (tackie) but the one redeeming feature was the three blonde women serving the drinks, corrrrrrrrr! I got talking to a few 'Faxies' at the bar and before I knew it, it was 1.40pm. I ran outside and the team coach was already there and Andy and the players were inside the ground. Damn! Still that meant I didn't make a prick of myself by leading a one man chant!

 

I decided despite the rain to trot off to 'The Three Pigeons' a great little boozer selling Timothy Taylors prize winning ales. I allowed myself a pint of 'Landlord' - surely the best beer in Britain.

 

I arrived at the turn stiles at about 2.50pm and paid my tenner in. Taking up a central position on the terrance behind the goal I asked a guy nearby how long the journey from Kent had been. I noticed he checked out by Fleet badge as we spoke. We chatted more and he suddenly asked, " are you Blind Bigot?" On my reply he turned and informed his mates. One of which was Dave (lord of all website masters). Strange that, people knowing my name!

 

In the first fifteen minutes it looked like the Halifax player was right after all, they were playing well and putting a lot of useful moves together. After the scare of a header that hit the bar and bounced down on the line, Halifax went ahead - a solo effort from Ryan Mallon, playing is final game on loan from Oldham. Typical! Fleet withstood more pressure and then, a lifeline, Clarkson was sent off for a foul on Che. From that point midfield was ours and just before the break Jimmy Jackson equalised, lashing home an unstoppable shot.

 

The second half was spoiled by some very poor refereeing decisions, culminating in Akpo Sodje being sent off for a second bookable offence. No way was it a sending off. This evened things up but 'The Fleet' were working overtime to stop the Halifax attacks. On the hour Farrell scored what turned out to be the winner. In the last ten minutes however Fleet had several close efforts on goal. The whistle went with Fleet on top pushing for an equaliser.

 

On the whole the quality and standard of the game was excellent in terrible conditions. The Fleet players gave everything and despite losing came out with great credit. My new 'friends' pointed out, that it wasn't the best game to attend with all the injuries but I loved very minute of it! I can't wait for the next one - Doncaster in March!

 

BB<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/beerchug.gif" alt="" />

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glad u enjoyed your trip to the shay.

 

i agree it was a quite entertaining game in terrible conditions and the ref did make some very strange decisions.

 

i was quite surprised with how many did make the journey.

 

 

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Blind Bigot Newbie

Blind Bigot

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Now I never saw you take that sneaky snap Dave you cheeky little tinker.

 

I know I'm not photogenic at the best of times but that is bloody terrible. Is my neck really ten foot around. Geeeeeeeeeees!

 

Anyhow I suppose it's a momento of my first game.

 

BB <img src="/forums/images/icons/laugh.gif" alt="" />

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jc Newbie

jc

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Damn, if only I'd known. I was standing next to the mighty BB during the second half, and it only occurred to me later that it might have been him! <img src="/forums/images/icons/blush.gif" alt="" />

 

Glad you enjoyed it, BB - I expect you were sad to miss out on seeing the mighty Fridge in action, after he kept Andy Booth in his pocket all game last November! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/biggrinangelA.gif" alt="" />

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Blind Bigot Newbie

Blind Bigot

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Like I said earlier I thought the standard of play on Saturday especially in the terrible conditions was excellent. The major difference for me, and this goes for all divisions, is the defending and distribution out of defence.

 

Fleet tended to hoof the ball clear rather than playing it to a colleague. Having said that I realise the team was desimated with injuries so playing to you own players is less smooth and getting rid of the ball more important.

 

But overall it stood up very well against what I'm used to watching. Mind there is a hell of difference between 2nd and 1st Division as there is between 1st and Premier.

 

BB

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Hirsty Newbie

Hirsty

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You know how you conjure up a picture in your mind about how you imagine someone to look like ? well....BB...you look nothing like I imagined.

 

I recall that you said that you worked at Leeds University ? I imagined some spotty fellow with glasses...the type you see on University Challenge....glad to see the myth dispelled....you look quite normal !!

 

Cheers,

 

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/beerchug.gif" alt="" />

 

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Blind Bigot Newbie

Blind Bigot

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Well, funny you should say that at Hudders games I almost always ware a sort of bush hat - more a porkpie hat really, with................yes you're right many football club badges. they range from Hudders (of course) to Motherwell, Celtic, Ajax, lreland, Celtic (lots of those) Norwich, Release Jailed miners (from the 1985 Strike), Norway FA, Russian FA and of course the Mighty Fleet.

 

Stangely acturate Alan - unnerving in fact!

 

BB

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Alan ( GNFC ) Newbie

Alan ( GNFC )

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BB , a university professor without a CAMRA badge ?

Having seen the Mighty Reds , you now need to make a trip to Stonebridge Road .

As someone who only travels north on special occasions ( Huddersfield ) due to commitments until noon on a Saturday , I look forward to meeting you , although I see you were in good company at Halifax (Halfway Line ? )

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